The device integrates a digital-to-RF radio with 500mW power amplifiers and embedded low Physical Layer Fast Fourier Transform/Inverse Fast Fourier Transform capabilities.
Innophase has launched Hermes TWO (H2), a digital to Radio Frequency (RF) radio for 4G/5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Radio Units. The company claims to incorporate a patented “Digital-to-RF” radio architecture and digital processing elements into a single-chip design, significantly reducing power consumption. The device uses advanced CMOS technology to standardise and enhance system integration and efficiency. This results in a streamlined, energy-efficient system architecture suitable for various cellular network radios. The device finds applications in various areas, including in-building wireless applications or private networks, network densification and high-efficiency cells.
The company claims that by integrating critical radio components like power amplifiers, Transmitter/Receiver (Tx/Rx) chains, digital signal processing including time/frequency conversions like Fast Fourier Transform/Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (FFT/IFFT), and system control onto a single CMOS semiconductor chip, unprecedented levels of integration are achieved. This development enables highly efficient implementation of cellular network radio units, including small enterprise cells. The chip offers a simplified, low-power system architecture suitable for various cellular network radios. H2 introduces a revolutionary architecture that directly converts digital signals to an impressive 27dBm RF power output to achieve an extended wireless range. The system supports analogue (RF) beam steering and has a 100MHz programmable occupied bandwidth for flexible configuration.
“Our 5G network radio solutions take advantage of the unique Hermes TWO architecture to deliver the most cost-effective enterprise small cells products. We are working with leading semiconductor companies and cellular radio manufacturers to optimise the overall system bill-of-materials to exceed the industry’s expectations,” said Greg Winner, VP & GM, InnoPhase Inc.
Some of the key features of H2 include:
- Radio Access: 4G / 5G
- Duplex Modes: TDD / FDD
- Antennas: 2T2R + ObsRx
- Power Output: 500 mW/Tx
- Bandwidth: 100MHz
- O-RAN Support: Split 7.1 Symbols
The device features a “Digital-to-RF” radio architecture that directly converts packetised O-RAN symbols to amplified RF power through Serializer/Deserializer (SERDES) technology. To expedite customer product development and validation, the Hermes TWO devices will be integrated into a Radio Development Kit (RDK).
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